Alhambra Craft Guide: Understanding Muqarnas, Stucco, and Tile

The Alhambra’s miracle is methodological: repeat, rotate, refine—until mass becomes lace.

Muqarnas (Honeycomb Vaults)

• Purpose: soften transitions, catch light, dissolve mass at domes and niches.
• Process: templates → gypsum modules → assembly in tiers → paint and gilding.
• Where: Lions’ Hall pavilions; Hall of the Two Sisters; Comares niches.

Carved Stucco

• Material: gypsum plaster with aggregates; thin yet crisp for undercutting.
• Method: cast panels, then carve on the wall; polychrome glazes and leaf once heightened contrasts.
• Reading: shallow relief near eye level; deeper carving higher for shadow drama.

Tilework (Zellij)

• Geometry: star polygons and strapwork grids; colors as structure (white, cobalt, black, green, honey, brown).
• Fabrication: fired tiles cut into shapes (tesserae) then set into mortar “trays.”
• Tip: look for hairline joints; repairs often use modern glazes—cooler tone, flatter sheen.

Wood Carpentry (Artesonado)

• Role: spans rooms with lightweight strength; pattern equals structure.
• Species: cedar and pine; painted coffers; starry fields echo floor tile.
• Sound: wood ceilings warm acoustics; hush is by design.

Spotting Time and Repair

• Tool chatter, crisp vs. rounded edges, paint ghosts, nail or screw intrusions.
• Reintegrations: lime‑based fills; color “lowered” so originals still lead.

Bottom Line

Craft is the Alhambra’s language—learn its grammar, hear its music.